The Premier Soccer League has reportedly ruled that the suspended match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows will resume from the second half, rather than being replayed in full.
The original encounter, which took place in February, was abandoned at halftime with the score locked at 1-1 due to a power outage caused by load shedding at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The disruption was exacerbated by the failure to secure backup power, leaving officials with no choice but to halt proceedings.
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Now, months later, the PSL has ruled that the match will resume from the second half, meaning both teams will have just 45 minutes to battle for crucial points in their fight to avoid relegation. The decision has sparked debate, with some questioning whether this approach ensures fairness, given that momentum and match conditions will differ significantly from the original fixture.
SuperSport United had initially taken the lead through attacker Christian Saile in the fourth minute, only for Golden Arrows midfielder Velemseni Ndwandwe to equalize before the break. With both teams still embroiled in the relegation battle, the outcome of this resumed fixture could prove decisive in determining their fate.
Notably, Gavin Hunt was in the dugout for United in February’s clash but now the interim coach Andre Arendse will lead the team in the second half following Hunt’s sacking in March.
Meanwhile, Arrows also had Mabhuti Khenyeza as head coach in that clash, but he has since left to join Chippa United, with former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi replacing him.
Both teams are currently battling to avoid the PSL relegation playoffs, with Matsatsantsa suffering a loss to Orlando Pirates on Wednesday evening, leaving them with the task of securing four points from their clashes against Richards Bay and Arrows to secure their status.
Meanwhile Abafana Bes’thende host Sekhukhune United in their clash this Saturday and only a victory will ensure top-flight survival unless 15th placed Cape Town City fail to win the Western Cape derby against Stellenbosch.
The league has yet to confirm the exact date for the continuation of the match, but with the season nearing its conclusion, the urgency to finalize the fixture is mounting.